Zinc

A strong resistance to corrosion means zinc has many industrial applications, particularly in steelmaking.

Zinc (Zn)

Zinc is a base metal that is primarily used to galvanise steel, as its anti-corrosive properties increase the durability of other products. It is also relatively easy to recycle and can be recycled multiple times, reinforcing its value in circular economy models. Recycled zinc is also likely to mitigate some of the risks associated with a moderately concentrated supply chain that is dependent on a few countries – particularly China – for supplies.

Zinc is only moderately exposed to ESG issues. Pollution is the primary ESG issue in the zinc supply chain and has been reported in several major zinc producers, including China, and at various stages of the supply chain – including in mining, refining, and recycling. Where environmental issues occur, the resultant health risks tend to act as a driver of company-community conflict.

Main uses and applications

Zinc naturally occurs with other base and precious metals in the environment, particularly alongside lead. The most common mineral containing zinc ores is sphalerite, but other ore sources include zincite, franklinite, calamine, and smithstone. [1]

Zinc has a low melting point and good thermal and electrical conductivity, which – combined with its hardiness – contributes to the usefulness of the material in industrial applications.

Over 60% of zinc is used to galvanise steel. Zinc protects the steel from rust and corrosion, increasing the product’s durability. A further 17% of zinc produced annually is used in die casting; zinc’s low melting point increases the speed of these processes, while zinc alloys’ uniform shrinkage characteristics aid precision. Zinc is corrosion–resistant, making it valuable in producing brasses, which accounts for about 10% of annual zinc use. The remaining zinc production is used in a range of manufacturing applications, such as in zinc sheet in building construction. Compounds such as zinc oxide are used in fertilisers and can be found in personal care products like sunscreen.[2]

In 2023, potential for zinc-halide batteries as an alternative to the lithium-ion batteries at the centre of the green transition sparked additional market interest in zinc [3]. Researchers are also urgently exploring aqueous rechargeable zinc batteries as an energy storage solution, and interest in zinc will likely continue to grow as alternatives to the scarcer critical energy transition materials are sought out by innovators.[4]